Jurors remained deadlocked in 2006 Norwich murder trial

Monday

Jul 9, 2012 at 12:01 AMJul 9, 2012 at 9:18 AM

Despite several days of deliberations following trial, a jury told a judge in New London today they cannot reach a unanimous decision on the guilty or innocence of Bruce Gathers, the man accused of murder in the 2006 shooting death of 19-year-old Sean Hill of Norwich.

GREG SMITH

Despite several days of deliberations following trial, a jury told a judge in New London today they cannot reach a unanimous decision on the guilty or innocence of Bruce Gathers, the man accused of murder in the 2006 shooting death of 19-year-old Sean Hill of Norwich.

Judge Arthur C. Hadden read the so-called “Chip Smith” charge in which a judge typically urges jurors to come to a unanimous decision - to consider opinions of those jurors in the majority without giving up their own position for the sake of a verdict.

The jury continued deliberations until the 1 p.m. lunch break and resumed at 2 p.m.

Hill’s family, including parents, two brothers and aunt, remain at the courthouse awaiting the verdict. If convicted of murder, Gathers would face a maximum of 60 years in prison. In the case of a hung jury, a mistrial could be declared.

A case is also pending against Gathers' co-defendant, Gregory L. Smith. Both men were previously convicted in the robbery of Hill's friend, Justin Smith that prosecutors contend preceded and led to the shooting. Justin Smith testified that he was chased by a gun-wielding Gathers and he witnesses Gathers struggle with Hill.